Statistics and Geographic Information Systems Authority Law No. 32 of 2023.

This Law comprising 26 articles aims to (i) coordinate and unify information-related activities among government entities, the private sector and individuals; (ii) develop and strengthen the national statistical system; (iii) provide statistics, official indicators and information necessary for development activities; (iv) regulate the participation of the Authority in organizing the general population and housing census; (v) support and develop scientific and technical research; (vi) raise public awareness of the importance of statistics and information; (vii) establish an information network to support the national statistical system. Article 3 establishes the Statistics and Geographic Information Systems Authority, an entity linked to the Minister of Planning, possessing both fiscal and administrative autonomy. The Authority comprises diverse departments and sections, including administrative, financial, technical affairs, IT, and geographic information systems. The principal functions of the Authority are to: (i) execute statistical operations and produce regular reports; (ii) develop an extensive database and information repository on statistical activities; (iii) oversee and audit statistical operations throughout various governmental domains; (iv) foster international collaboration and the exchange of expertise in statistics and geographic information systems. Concerning confidentiality in data collection, professional independence in statistical methodologies is guaranteed, alongside maintaining neutrality and transparency in data collection, processing, and dissemination, as well as safeguarding the confidentiality of individual data and preventing unauthorized access. The Authority is also empowered to levy fines and impose imprisonment on those who neglect to provide requisite statistical data or furnish inaccurate information. Specific sanctions are stipulated for public officials and other individuals who impede the statistical process.